We want to shed some light on some of the many great ideas for making Princeton greener – both during the Holidays and beyond, in 2012. These bright ideas can be both big and small; what’s important is that they inspire us to take action toward helping the planet, helping each other, and having some fun, too!
See Jeanne DeVoe's fun blog about changing to LED lights for the Holidays
Lighting with LEDs
For those who enjoyed the recent “Sustainability for the Lazy” guest post by Jeanne Jackson-DeVoe on our website, check out this fun new Lazy Shades of Green blog by Jeanne about her family’s conversion to light emitting diode (LED) lighting for the Holidays.
As Jeanne points out in her blog, using LEDs can save you money in addition to saving energy. LEDs also last much longer than traditional incandescent lighting and compact fluorescent lighting. (See this U.S. Dept. of Energy website for more information about lighting choices.) And there is no reason to limit their use to holiday lighting – try them year-round!
“Cash Mob” Style Local Shopping
To help promote our “Princeton Shops Sustainably” reusable bag sale fundraiser, volunteers came together in early December for some “cash mob” style shopping. A cash mob is a shopping event where a group of people agree to spend $20 or more each at an undisclosed independently owned local business. The aim is to support local businesses while reclaiming the fun and spontaneity of a flash mob.
Shoppers with the Princeton Shops Sustainably bags in front of jane for some "cash mob " style shopping!
Our group met at janes consignment store for a quick photo and shopping and then headed over to Kitchen Kapers, where we surprised store manager Hillary Gray. Afterwards, Hillary thanked the group, saying “we were very happy to see you all spending cash. Most people don’t understand the fees that the banks charge us to take cards – both credit and debit.”
In addition, she told us they “always ask people if they want a bag instead of just giving them one. We are pleased that so many people are refusing bags these days.” Its great to see that this bright idea promoted by the Sustainable Princeton BYOBag campaign is having an impact!
More Bright Ideas in 2012
We hope to highlight many more bright ideas for sustainability in 2012. Here are some upcoming events where you can learn about and be inspired by what other people in Princeton are doing:
- Youth and Yogurt Eco Hour on Jan. 4
- Sustainable Princeton Leadership Awards Ceremony on Jan. 25
- Great Ideas Breakfast on Feb. 10
And don’t forget the Princeton Environmental Film Festival starting on Jan. 26!
We also hope you will tell us your bright ideas for living and working more sustainably in Princeton. Please send Andrea Malcolm information on upcoming events, local resources, and other sustainability stories so we can post and share!